Rifle Scopes Newbie looking for advices

[Alkrinos]

Hello everyone,

So i've recently acquired my hunting licence and I'm also getting into LRS as soon as I'll be able to leave my house .

I would like some advices for a scope to equip my Tikka T3X CTR in .308.

As the rifle is already quite heavy for hunting, i'm looking for something as lightweight as possible.

I know it would be far easier to go with a lighter firearm to begin with instead of putting my Tikka on a diet but beggars can't be choosers...

So appart from being as light as possible I'm looking for a scope that meets the following specs:

• Platform: Tikka T3X CTR .308 with 20" barrel.
• Usage: 80% Hunting, 20% Bench shooting.
• Shooting range: Max 600yds but most shots will be taken under 200 yds.
• Magnification: Open to discussion but I have pretty sh*tty eyes...
• Turrets / Reticle: MIL/MIL Illuminated.
• Focal plane: FFP
• Budget: ~ $1000.

So far after some research i've came across the following scopes, they are not really "lightweight" but it seems that's the best I can get with my criteria:

• Bushnell Elite Tactical LRTS Riflescopes - 4.5-18x44 Illuminated G3.
• Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 2.5-15×50 APLR3 FFP IR MIL HD
• Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP EBR-7C MRAD

I'm already having some hard time to decide between this 3 scopes, they seem pretty similar for a rookie like me.

I would gladly take any advices and recommendations.

Last thing, i don't know if it helps in any way but I'm living in Europe (which explains my horrible english, sorry about that BTW...).

Thank you very much for your help!

 

[acudaowner]

If it were me I would enjoy it the tika is a nice rifle and any of the scopes you mentioned should do you well enough to have fun and learn with or just to plink and kill paper or steel . I do not shoot in compititions or for money , thought I do enjoy getting behind the rifle a lot maybe too much , but it's all good and learning how to be more effective is extremely fun and frustrating to me . Two things I thoroughly enjoy like taking things apart and attempting to put it all back together with no extra parts . Good luck with your investment and on the future with it .

 

[308pirate]

Whichever one isn't made in China out of your three choices.

 

[Islas82]

Check out the new vortex strike eagle, its packed with cool features.

 

[BigRed308]

Vortex PST II but I would go 5-25x50. Decide if the 3 power vs 5 power really makes a difference for you at your minimum engagement distance. Anything over 15 power would be a treat and an extra 6mm for later evening and earlier morning shots. Weight is pretty similar I think.

 

[rockmyglock]

If it were my build, I would probably lean toward the Vortex because of the liberal warranty policy.

 

[Alkrinos]

Wow! Thanks everyone for the prompt answers!

If it were me I would enjoy it the tika is a nice rifle and any of the scopes you mentioned should do you well enough to have fun and learn with or just to plink and kill paper or steel . I do not shoot in compititions or for money , thought I do enjoy getting behind the rifle a lot maybe too much , but it's all good and learning how to be more effective is extremely fun and frustrating to me . Two things I thoroughly enjoy like taking things apart and attempting to put it all back together with no extra parts . Good luck with your investment and on the future with it .

Thanks for the kind comment.
Don't worry, I do love my Tikka T3X CTR, she's just a bit fat for the kind of job i want her to do! Guess I'll have to hit the gym more often then!

Whichever one isn't made in China out of your three choices.

As far as i know Burris is made in Japan, Vortex in Philippines and Athlon in China.
So quality wise I guess the Burris has the advantage here.

Check out the new vortex strike eagle, its packed with cool features.

Just checked it on the Vortex Website, a lot of cool features for a scope in this price range...
Damn the choice just got harder...

Vortex PST II but I would go 5-25x50. Decide if the 3 power vs 5 power really makes a difference for you at your minimum engagement distance. Anything over 15 power would be a treat and an extra 6mm for later evening and earlier morning shots. Weight is pretty similar I think.

That's an option i've not considered. Usually, people I've talked to advised me not to go too high in magnification.
The additional weight is not so much ( 3 oz) but i'm really trying to stay as light as possible.
The real problem is that i will surely not be able to handle and compare both 5-25x50 and 3-15x44 versions before buying(very few shops around here with small selection of products...)

If it were my build, I would probably lean toward the Vortex because of the liberal warranty policy.

Do you know what Vortex warranty is worth for customers outside the US? As mentionned in OP, i'm from Europe.


Anyone got first hand experience with these 3 scopes and would like to share some feedbacks ? Or just offer more appropriate options for my needs?

Thanks again for your time and precious advices!

 

[Gatorshark]

I wasnt impressed with Vortex Viper PST. But that's a sample of one as they say. It's not that origin of manufacture has that much bearing on quality, it's that China sucks dirty ass.

But I did get a chance to peer through an Athlon and can only speak for the glass. It was awesome for the price. If it tracks as well, it's worth a look.

 

[308pirate]

As far as i know Burris is made in Japan, Vortex in Philippines and Athlon in China. So quality wise I guess the Burris has the advantage here.

Country of manufacture has nothing to do with product quality. I've been a manufacturing professional for nearly 30 years, I have a bit of expertise in that area.

My car has a transmission made in India, but it's a Honda transmission. Which means I'll take it over a ZF transmission made here or in Germany.

My comment was strictly based on geopolitics.

 

[10ring'r]

I 2nd the Vortex PST II 5x25x50. I've got eye issues also and for the short time I have behind it, it performs. It is a 2 pound/16 inch (I know, Americans, right?) scope though. Illumination works very well, for me anyways. I went with the extra mag. level, due to my eye issues and glad I did. Just have to decide how much weight you're willing to deal with and how much rail you want to eat up. Mac

 

[patriot07]

I'd go with the LRTS personally.

Honorable mention (since it isn't on your list) is the SWFA HD 5-20. Great hybrid hunting/long range scope.

 

[Matches Malone]

The more you take your gun for a walk, the further you can go with it.

 

[Alkrinos]

Country of manufacture has nothing to do with product quality. I've been a manufacturing professional for nearly 30 years, I have a bit of expertise in that area.

My car has a transmission made in India, but it's a Honda transmission. Which means I'll take it over a ZF transmission made here or in Germany.

My comment was strictly based on geopolitics.

Don't get me wrong, I own multiple products made in China that are really good if not great for the price, Primary Arms Scopes and Holosun RDS just to name a few!
Hell, I'd rather choose Holosun over some reputable European brand for the money.
However, when i'm spending that kind of cash( ~ $1000, around here it's a lot) I expect a little more than under-paid communist labor.

I 2nd the Vortex PST II 5x25x50. I've got eye issues also and for the short time I have behind it, it performs. It is a 2 pound/16 inch (I know, Americans, right?) scope though. Illumination works very well, for me anyways. I went with the extra mag. level, due to my eye issues and glad I did. Just have to decide how much weight you're willing to deal with and how much rail you want to eat up. Mac

Thanks for the input Mac!
It sure looks like a nice scope, and the extra mag. level would be great for my eyes but i'm trying to save as much weight as possible so tough decision...

I'd go with the LRTS personally.

Honorable mention (since it isn't on your list) is the SWFA HD 5-20. Great hybrid hunting/long range scope.

So +1 for the LRTS.
SWFA HD 5-20 looks good but it's heavier and more expensive than the Bushnell.

The more you take your gun for a walk, the further you can go with it.

Damn right! But I'm quite sure my back is going to break before my will does !



So far i'm leaning toward the Bushnell LRTS as I've been unable to find lighter alternatives with the same features...

However, there is something that unsettle me: I can't find any kind of press review on this scope.
Even more troubling there is not a single video about it.
Come on! You can find videos about just anything on Youtube, how is it possible that a scope praised so much on various forums, that has been around for years to not have at least ONE video talking about it?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We are running specials on the LRTS 4.5-18x44's, please give a call to discuss 516-217-1000

 

[rockmyglock]

Do you know what Vortex warranty is worth for customers outside the US? As mentionned in OP, i'm from Europe.

 

[mosin46]

just my .02 but since you are in europe i would buy in europe and if athlon had european based support i might add that to the + mix. vortex and athlon both have great CS. contacting doug at camera land would be worth investigation. don't know what their sales to europe stuff is. had several athlons. all behaved well above price point IMHO. point is that shipping would be my big concern IF service needed. doubt it would on any mentioned...but... and i know nothing about current bushnells.

 

[Usmcsomerville]

I have had both the Vortex 3-15 and the 5-25. For a hunting rifle I actually loved the 3-15x FFP. For me I liked that it was over an inch shorter and just more compact. With the 44mm obj lens, you can limit the height of the overall package. Should be more than enough for the limited distance you would be shooting.

Both Athlon and Vortex have great CS. I have used both and was very impressed with their responses. I have only owned Athlon's Cronus, so I cant speak on the quality of any of their other scopes. Whatever you get, get a mag throw lever on the vortex. They are super tight.

 

[ReplicaSnipers]

just my .02 but since you are in europe i would buy in europe and if athlon had european based support i might add that to the + mix. vortex and athlon both have great CS. contacting doug at camera land would be worth investigation. don't know what their sales to europe stuff is. had several athlons. all behaved well above price point IMHO. point is that shipping would be my big concern IF service needed. doubt it would on any mentioned...but... and i know nothing about current bushnells.

I bought an Athlon in Australia and have not had replies to several emails asking about there warranty out of the US especially here. They don't seem to want to talk about it! I've taken that as a bad sign and my latest purchase was a Vortex.

 

[ReplicaSnipers]

Hello everyone,

So i've recently acquired my hunting licence and I'm also getting into LRS as soon as I'll be able to leave my house .

I would like some advices for a scope to equip my Tikka T3X CTR in .308.

As the rifle is already quite heavy for hunting, i'm looking for something as lightweight as possible.

I know it would be far easier to go with a lighter firearm to begin with instead of putting my Tikka on a diet but beggars can't be choosers...

So appart from being as light as possible I'm looking for a scope that meets the following specs:

• Platform: Tikka T3X CTR .308 with 20" barrel.
• Usage: 80% Hunting, 20% Bench shooting.
• Shooting range: Max 600yds but most shots will be taken under 200 yds.
• Magnification: Open to discussion but I have pretty sh*tty eyes...
• Turrets / Reticle: MIL/MIL Illuminated.
• Focal plane: FFP
• Budget: ~ $1000.

So far after some research i've came across the following scopes, they are not really "lightweight" but it seems that's the best I can get with my criteria:

• Bushnell Elite Tactical LRTS Riflescopes - 4.5-18x44 Illuminated G3.
• Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 2.5-15×50 APLR3 FFP IR MIL HD
• Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP EBR-7C MRAD

I'm already having some hard time to decide between this 3 scopes, they seem pretty similar for a rookie like me.

I would gladly take any advices and recommendations.

Last thing, i don't know if it helps in any way but I'm living in Europe (which explains my horrible english, sorry about that BTW...).

Thank you very much for your help!

Bushnell claim 'Best glass in class' and their warranty is supposed to be as good as Vortex (at least in the US) but I'm not sure how well it would go as an overseas buyer. I know in Australia that Vortex's warranty is as good as gold but Athlon have not replied to many emails about their warranty outside of the US and I have not had to use my Bushnell warranty yet to see where they stand. I know a lot of manufacturers differentiate between the US/Canada and everyone else. I own a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x FFP and I really like it out to 600m and I've heard that the glass quality is nearly as good as the Vipers but haven't looked through a Viper for comparison. Will be someone on here who has. So could be another option? , not too heavy but solid enough.

 

[mosin46]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/bushnell-cs-slipping.6999646/

what say you all?

 

[Alkrinos]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/bushnell-cs-slipping.6999646/

what say you all?

I was leaning toward the Bushnell but that's some awfull CS here...

Moreover I still can't find any ressources (article or video) talking about the LRTS!

I have had both the Vortex 3-15 and the 5-25. For a hunting rifle I actually loved the 3-15x FFP. For me I liked that it was over an inch shorter and just more compact. With the 44mm obj lens, you can limit the height of the overall package. Should be more than enough for the limited distance you would be shooting.

Both Athlon and Vortex have great CS. I have used both and was very impressed with their responses. I have only owned Athlon's Cronus, so I cant speak on the quality of any of their other scopes. Whatever you get, get a mag throw lever on the vortex. They are super tight.

The Vortex may also be a good choice but I've seen posts on this forum and others saying Bushnell glass quality is above the vortex.
The thing is, except for some discussions on various forums, I can't find any good comparison between the two scopes.
There is hundreds of articles/videos about the Vortex but not a single one about the Bushnell that's supposed to be a superior optic... How is that even possible?

 

[patriot07]

So +1 for the LRTS.
SWFA HD 5-20 looks good but it's heavier and more expensive than the Bushnell.

The SWFA has better glass, a better track record for reliability, IMHO a better reticle, a little more mag, and better eye box.

As for weight, it's 4 ounces. And you can grab them for $800 used anytime around here on the PX

 

[Alkrinos]

The SWFA has better glass, a better track record for reliability, IMHO a better reticle, a little more mag, and better eye box.

As for weight, it's 4 ounces. And you can grab them for $800 used anytime around here on the PX

Thanks again for the input, I'll keep that one in mind, not really a big fan of the reticle and I think x50 is starting to get quite bulky!

I'd prefer not buy used something that expensive on the other side of the world, not sure that's a gamble I'm willing to take!

 

[athanasios23]

I'd go with the vortex. Depending on the type of hunting I'd personally like to have 3x magnification for close shots. 10x can get you to 1000 yards so shooting to 600yrds with 15x will be no issue at all for you. Good luck with your purchase. I love Tikka rifles and have a couple myself. You have a great set up going and I'm sure you will have no issues hunting with it.

 

[Alkrinos]

I'd go with the vortex. Depending on the type of hunting I'd personally like to have 3x magnification for close shots. 10x can get you to 1000 yards so shooting to 600yrds with 15x will be no issue at all for you. Good luck with your purchase. I love Tikka rifles and have a couple myself. You have a great set up going and I'm sure you will have no issues hunting with it.

You are absolutely right! And that's why i'm having a really hard time to decide between the Bushnell and the Vortex.

I'll mostly practice 3 types of hunting with this rifle:
- Pig hunt at close range where I use a RDS.
- Stalking deer where x3 mag. would be better than x4.5 to take quick shot at close distance ( ~ 50 yards).
- Static longer range hunting from blind where extra mag. could always be useful.

So it seems like x3 is a good option, but on the other hand I really like extra magnification.
Sometimes when I'm training with my AR15 at 100yds with a 1-6x24 I'm saying to myself "Damn, some extra magnification would be great to shoot at smaller targets". Well this is a HD oriented build and its main purpose it not to shoot at very small targets but you get the idea: I like magnification!

As for Tikka rifles, I love mine so far, I'm just so frustrated I've not been able to spend more time with her because of the current situation!